Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of, Worshipped by Kissing the Hand to Them

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Idolatry, in the biblical context, refers to the worship of idols or images as divine. This practice is strictly prohibited in the Scriptures, as it diverts worship and reverence away from the one true God. One specific form of idolatry mentioned in the Bible involves the act of kissing the hand to idols, a gesture of homage and reverence.

The act of kissing the hand as a form of idol worship is referenced in the book of Job. Job, in his discourse on maintaining his integrity and righteousness, mentions this practice as a sin to be judged. In Job 31:26-28 , he states: "if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God above."

This passage highlights the seriousness of idolatry, equating the act of kissing the hand to celestial bodies with a denial of God. The gesture signifies a transfer of allegiance and worship from the Creator to created objects, which is considered a grave sin.

The cultural context of the ancient Near East included various forms of idol worship, where physical gestures such as bowing, offering sacrifices, and kissing were common expressions of devotion to deities. The act of kissing the hand to idols was likely a symbolic gesture of submission and reverence, acknowledging the idol's supposed power and influence.

The biblical prohibition against idolatry is rooted in the Ten Commandments, where God commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath" (Exodus 20:3-4). This command underscores the exclusive worship and devotion that God demands from His people.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. The prophets often rebuked the people for turning to idols, emphasizing that such actions were a betrayal of their covenant relationship with God. The act of kissing the hand to idols, therefore, is not merely a cultural expression but a profound spiritual transgression.

In summary, the practice of worshipping idols by kissing the hand to them is a specific form of idolatry condemned in the Bible. It represents a misdirected devotion that denies the sovereignty and exclusivity of the worship due to God alone. The biblical narrative consistently calls for the rejection of all forms of idolatry, urging believers to maintain their faithfulness to the one true God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 31:26,27
If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Case of all the Protestant or Reformed Churches, With
... it is necessary, that certain external things, which are objects of the ... an image,
whether that object ought or ought not to be worshipped. ... (2.) Idolatry of The ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 22 the case of.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... The custom of kissing the Pope's feet must cease ... Barnabas would not suffer themselves
to be worshipped as Gods ... of faith, soon began to set up idolatry and their ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

part i
... and that love is a false one; we love ourselves in objects unworthy of ... prayed, that
it is the work of "the right hand of God ... Who gives them their wonderful forms ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... which they had been previously infected, and on the other hand, by animosity against
Athanasius because in the synod he had so vigorously withstood them in the ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

part ii
... God duly reverenced and solemnly honoured and worshipped by you ... the kingdom of heaven
is at hand." [744 ... is single, it cannot love two opposite objects"God and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... But, if our adversary objects that this saying relates to widows ... The time is short,
the Lord is at hand. ... Apostle's words are as we have translated them""He is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... mode of taking an oath, instead of kissing the cover ... something in me that refused
to embrace them.'[94]. ... that Christian's sword flew out of his hand.' This was ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm